ATANG NIN SIMBAHAN

(A Church Offering)

Memoirs of the Solemn Blessing and Dedication of the Holy Family Parish at Barangay Panal, City of
Tabaco, Albay, Philippines
-Diocesis Legazpiensis-

By: Victor Riano Buenconsejo

INTRODUCTION

I am narrating this event based on a view that most people will be able to understand. I
will be telling this story based on how my naked eyes saw everything that transpired in this
very day and on the days prior to it. I will be telling this on the best way I could: BASED ON
MY OWN EXPERIENCES AND PERSPECTIVE.

Recounting the moments of a historic event is for me a risky task. Risky in a sense that, I
am to form the scattered pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. But it is made easier if I myself have become
part of that history. Especially that this event Ill narrate is for me the beginning of how a people
proclaim Gods love as a family. In this event, the people dedicated their place of worship to a
family: A GODLY, SACRED AND HOLY FAMILY. The church is the people of God and now
Ill be sharing about their offering: AN ATANG NIN SIMBAHAN.

HFPs 2014 Scenario

Recalling the year 2014, the parish, then under the pastorship of Rev. Fr. Victor Junvic
Diolata, Jr., SSS, was on a total overhaul if we speak of the physical aspect. Works were then
ongoing for the church be expanded to accommodate the growing number of believers and
pilgrims. Inconveniences, as expected, followed. That feeling when a wedding or a requiem
mass was going on and people who attend such would hear the clashing of hammers and other
machine used for renovating the church together with the priests sermon and the choir singing.
But as they all say, indeed if we are on a transition for change, everything feels inconvenient. I
would then be remembering Moses liberating Israel and leading them to the promise land and
the people were complaining on their uncomforting situation in the middle of the desert. Here
in the parish, parishioners greeted the situation with pros and cons. The pros said, Its normal,
we know in due time it will be done and the cons said on the other hand That wont be
finished, it would be a waste of time, money, and effort. Well, all the later events would make
the people believe more on Gods grace considering that this is just a small parish and the
parish general fund would not suffice this IMPOSSIBLE DREAM as others would say.

How My Preparations Began

Preparations for me for the said event began when Fr. Junvic, who happens to be my
namesake, reminded me of the one I told him that I am to write anew the parish history for the
occasion. Later, he would be requesting me to write an interview article of him. In fact, these
two articles were published in the Tipasi, our parish bulletin. What I did was to interview
people like Mrs. Soledad Cam; Ms. Adela Buenconsejo; and generously, many more who
contributed their insights on how this parish began from an ermita to being a parish church. I
also went to the Diocese of Legazpi and they let me copy the first recorded history. That focused
on the history of the church structure and the religious administration. Mine? I added side
stories that would make the history comprehensive together with recent historic events. Filled
with awe for what I did, I decided to create a dance drama of the parish history.

Side by side with it, I began to compose songs for the solemn rites to be held on August
2, 2016 (later the date was reset). Since the dedication rite is very much new to me, I managed to
search online for the rites and convinced me to write numerous songs for the rites will take one
or two hours: longer than a normal mass. One more reason is that, no existing liturgical songs
were composed for the kind of event. In April, I began the work. I first translated to Bikol the
lyrics of the songs in the rites. And visualizing the new parish church in my mind, I notated at
once the melody that entered my mind. Bro. Rey Acabado, SSS, a religious brother in our parish
reminded me that the Gloria must be grand and majestic. I remembered that time that I have
such musical setting for the Gloria. And since August 2 is the feast of Saint Peter Julian Eymard,
founder of the congregation that handles our parish (Sacramentinos), I decided to add to my
repertoire a song based on the saints words. By June, I got Fr. Junvics blessing on this work
along with the dance drama.

Towards the end of the month, I started recording the songs for the main event for my
choir members to learn before the official practice (I myself being the parish music ministry
coordinator). Also, I began composing the music for the dance drama and choreographing it as
well. I asked help from Kuya Arman Posada, a fellow BSED-MAPE major to remix the music I
made. While I am doing all these, masses were temporarily transferred to our parish hall to
facilitate the major works.

By the beginning of August, I received a text blast from our parish priest that the solemn
blessing was moved to August 22 (Feast of the Queenship of Mary). It was due to Legazpi
Bishop Joel Baylons availability. A blessing also for the parish, that we may have more time to
renovate the church. It would be remembered that the renovation began on the feast of Saint
Joseph, Husband of Mary (March 19, 2014). One would say that works are proceeding through
the intercession of the Holy Family. Also, by the beginning of the month, I, with the help of Ate
Daisy Ranoco, started practicing the Santa Cruz Performing Arts who will perform the dance
drama. The group is comprised of young performers; most are members of the Parish Youth
Commission, I, Ate Daisy and her sister Stephanie, manage the group. We practice on
weekends; afternoon or sometime evening in our parish. If theyre available on weekdays, we
practice but we prioritize weekends since they are all studying. Alongside, I called for a practice
for the songs on the dedication day. My choir members easily got the melody and the soloists
got their part as well. I was informed that on August 20, 2016 (Saturday), there will be a raffle
draw but the highlight is the dance drama that I created. The event is a prelude to the August 22
event. Prior to the event, we had our dry run twice and the priests gave their comments and
suggestion. As the day goes near, everyone in the parish were busy for advertising and
preparing for the event. In fact, I was tasked to go to a radio station and advertised the event.
Tarpaulins were posted to inform the people. By then, the interior part of the parish is fully
done and the faade needs finishing touches.
 The Interview with Fr. Junvic

Fr. Junvic contacted me for he will be submitting himself for an interview with me. So, I
prepared my questions then, that night at the parish office, I interviewed him. There he narrated
everything about the renovation. There I found out that his predecessors were already planning
to renovate the church but cant proceed for some reasons. At that, he decided to open a bank
account for this project and amazingly, everyone who learned the intention of the project
deposited at once. One blessing for him that he will be proceeding with the project is that, when
an acquaintance introduced him to an architect (i.e. Arch. Redempto Aquino) who happens to
be a Bicolano hailing from Catanduanes. Upon learning the project, he at once accepted it PRO
BONO (for free) and on March 19, 2014, officially started the project. As the project progresses,
everyone in the parish were eager to donate even any single centavo and supported the fund
raising projects for the matter. Even to the point of borrowing money from their congregation,
they did it. Fr. Choi Castaeda was even sent for a mission appeal abroad. One thing I admired
with the priest is that, he never let the project come to a major halt though he admitted that
there are times that there was a budget shortage. True to his words, unless you have started it,
you cannot finish it. He was undaunted with some oppositions, and true enough, they were not
that strong to let the project down. For him, he does not claim it as his personal accomplishment
though people would say, you have built your monument here. He was just an instrument of
God for the realization of this project.

The Prelude to the Main Event

The August 20, 2016 event was a prelude to the August 22 event. My objective on
creating the dance drama is that, before we finally bless the church structure, it is fitting to
know and appreciate the story behind it. Also, that our faith be renewed and glorify the Lord
for his providence that kept on guiding this humble parish in Panal.

By morning, our group already prepared for the presentation. We have prepared the
altar since the presentation will be done inside the church. There was one point that I got
furious when I heard the music and some parts were cut without asking my permission as the
creator/director of the presentation. But then, its already the presentation day, I had nothing to
do with it so I just let them practice more. Good thing, a good dance choreographer in our
group in the person of Jordan Timola helped the group in polishing the steps. He himself was
also in awe when he was polishing the steps saying that this will be a great presentation
tonight. Side by side with the group preparation, the parish was already set up for the event. If
the group has still minor problems, I was there to fix it. Im very thankful with Fr. Junvic for he
provided the layout of our backdrop (a photo of the Mayon Volcano he took in one of our barangays
in the parish since some of our barangays are at the foot of the volcano). Then finally, we are set for the
nights event.

Then evening came. After the 5:30pm anticipated mass (since it was a Saturday), we
immediately prepared for the event. I first gathered all the cast and led the prayer for the
presentation to go smoothly and no major delay would happen. Then at seven in the evening,
we started the program with a doxology by the Youth Commission and the singing of the
National Anthem as a protocol for plays (i.e. the first and last screening). Intermission numbers
and draw lots for the raffle were done before the dance drama finally started.
 PAROKYA SAGRADA FAMILIA: The Dance Drama

Then the dance drama started with my voice-over: MGA TUGANG, AN ISTORYA
KAN PAROKYA SAGRADA FAMILIA (Brothers and sisters, the story of the Holy Family
Parish). On the first part, we presented the biblical life of our patron saint from the Gospels of
Matthew and Luke. On the second part, the play fast forwarded to the year 1885 in Panal were
the people, through the initiative of Doa Juana Riosa, started to build the chapel made of light
materials. Then to the enthronement of the first image of Sagrada Familia owned by Doa
Leona Blanquiza. The scene freezed to focus on the arrival of the Capuchin friars to conduct
their sacred mission in the place. The second part commenced when the friars left the place due
to poverty and its proximity from the town proper.

On the next part, the audience suddenly burst out into laughter as the lunatic people as
portrayed met each other on stage. That was when the chapel became an abode for those people
because there are no priests or even a person taking care of the church. Then, people passed by,
some pitied and some felt sorry for themselves. Suddenly a family entered the stage and asked
helped from a wealthy man to lead them back to their house in Panal. Later, the man learned
that the family who approached him WAS THE HOLY FAMILY THEMSELVES. Then, people
entered the stage that shooed the lunatic people away. They were now helping each other clean
the chapel. At the projector flashed, 1970-1973 Diocese of Legazpi Holy Family Parish. It was a
dancing scene when Panal first became a parish. Later, an artist who portrayed Rev. Fr. Tomas
Robrigado (then was the parish priest) joined the people in dancing. It was only a brief scene (as
short as the three years), for Fr. Robrigado left the stage symbolizing the end of his term.

Then at the projector flashed: 1981, Holy Family Shrine under St. John the Baptist
Parish. An artist who portrayed Msgr. Salvador Borjal entered the stage and met the sisters of
the Daughters of Mary. They led the shrine on those days. Then followed by the entrance of the
Crusaders of the Holy Face of Jesus with the artists portraying Mr. and Mrs. Salvador and Elena
Jarcia leading. They altogether danced and portrayed the building of the first Adoration Chapel
and the start of a humble community of God. But a tragedy struck them when the image of the
Holy Family was stolen. Ms. Adela Buenconsejo, portrayed by an artist, entered the stage when
people from Panal called her on the phone to help them search for the image. She acted on it
and through her help, the image was recovered.

Audience applauded when the Sacramentino priests entered the stage and met with the
bishop. After which, actors joyfully flashed the placards where the names of the 7 barangays
and a sitio were written. Audience once again applauded. Actors who portrayed the parish
priests had their solo dance. When it was the turn of the one portraying Fr. Junvic, everyone
laughed and applauded. Even Fr. Junvic himself was shocked. The scene suddenly toned down
when the actor portraying yours truly entered the stage. He showed the scene while I compose
the Himno para sa Sagrada Familia. After which, I entered together with all the other people
dressed in barot saya and camisa de chino. Upon the tune of our SAYAW KA PA-NAL Music,
everyone applauded again while the image of the Holy Family on an andas entered from the
main door of the church as it is being danced to the stage. While dancing, actors shouted: VIVA
SAGRADA FAMILIA! (Long live the Holy Family!). And second to the last part ended.
 The last part was the renovation scene. The scene started with the actor playing Fr.
Junvic entering the stage, followed by the architect and the engineer who will manage the
project. Actually everyone burst into laughter especially when the workers entered the stage. As
the renovation scene started, people entered the stage and the audience laughed at a box in
which written is: DONATION. The audience, as we say in our local term, naka-relate sinda. Then
finally ending the scene, all actors showed up with the parish priest leading the group.

Names were now being called as they were the ones involved in the dance drama. Then
finally, I was shocked when I was acknowledged as the DIRECTOR of the play, though
honestly speaking, it was I and Ate Daisy who directed the presentation. By that, people were
looking for me to congratulate me for that great presentation. Well, Gods grace that I was able
to showcase my work for the benefit of the people that they may know the history behind the
Holy Family Parish.

The Solemn Blessing and Dedication of the Church

August 22, 2016 is indeed a day to remember.

I woke up hearing on a radio station announcing this event as an invitation to the

people. I didnt enter my morning class at the Bicol University College of Education for me to
participate in this once in a lifetime event. By 8:30 am I started preparing to go to our church.
Thirty minutes after, I already arrived. All the choir members wore the gala uniform I set for the
first time in the group. I was supposed to let them wear Filipiniana but we dont have the
luxury to have such. I ascended the choir loft of our church and we began our final preparations
for the event. As I peeped outside the window, looking down the churchyard, I saw the people
already set for the event. Bishops Lucilo Quiambao and Joel Baylon arrived by 9:45 am.

At exactly 10 in the morning the rites started with Bishop Baylon as the main presider.
Priests from the Diocese of Legazpi and from the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament (some
have served in the past years in this parish) concelebrated. At the part where Bishop Baylon knocks
the main door three times with the use of his pastoral staff, it signals all doors be opened. And
at the tune of the Entrance Hymn Buksan Mga Pintuan, everyone entered the church. The
entourage were honored through the salute done by the Knights of Columbus. I saw highly-
esteemed people attending the rites. To name them: former city mayor, Maria Josefa Demetriou;
city mayor Cielo Krisel Lagman-Luistro; some businessmen and benefactors. Vice-President
Leni Robredo was so eager to attend the occasion but due to the nature of her work, she didnt
make it. After Bishop Baylon prayed the opening prayers, people were blessed with the holy
water and the choir sang the gloriously sounding Kamurawayan sa Dios.

Following is the Liturgy of the Word. The first reading was taken from the book of
Nehemiah. Then, the singing of the Responsorial Psalm led by Kuya Alwen Bombita. Fr. Junvic
was teary-eyed upon listening to the psalm How lovely is Your dwelling place, O Lord,
mighty God, lord of all. The second reading came from the letter of Paul to the Corinthians.
And the singing of the Alleluia and the reading of the Gospel followed.

At the homily, Bishop Baylon stressed the importance of a church united. He, in fact,
declared this event one of the three fruitful blessings in the Diocese of Legazpi (together with
the 240th Anniversary of Devotion to Our Lady of Salvation, Patroness of the Diocese; and of the
Centuplex or the 100 Living Priests from Bacacay, Albay).

Certain important elements of the dedication rites were conducted. First, the interment
of the relic (first-class relic of St. Peter Julian Eymard) preceded by the litany of the saints (led
by Fr. Junvic) and the prayer-hymn to the saints (Pamibi sa mga Santo). Next is the anointing of
the oil and followed by the incensation of the church. Afterwards is the lighting of the church.
The choir sang the song Liwanag nin Jerusalem. The entire church roared in applause after
the lights in the ceiling were lit. Just imagine how the golden lights perfectly blended with the
immaculate white light. And then, finally, the church is dedicated.

Then the Liturgy of the Eucharist followed. At the end of the mass, Fr. Junvic thanked all
who became part of the historic blessing of the rebuilt church. There, gratitude was indeed felt
in the blessings received by the parish through the benefactors, government officials,
businessmen, people who helped build the parish, and the parishioners of the Holy Family
Parish. After the mass, a simple reception was prepared. Truly it is an event to mark in the
history.

The Parish After the Solemn Blessing

Unfortunately, the structure wasnt fully done during the blessing. But the good thing is
it was already dedicated to God.

Works as of this writing are still continuing. On the negative side, it also faced some
challenges. The new structure faced the test of Typhoon Nina on the Christmas Day of 2016. The
parish only suffered from mess inside. But blessing is, even a single part of the structure wasnt
harmed. There I realized the bright minds of the people behind it for the structure is also
calamity-proof. Though touched with calamities, the parish still continued with our SAYAW
KA PA-NAL, a religious procession dance in honor of the Holy Family. With the exit of Fr.
Junvic as the parish priest, another Albayano in the name of Fr. Anthony Riosa, SSS succeeded.
He is continuing what Fr. Junvic started on the church renovation. On the other hand, Fr.
Thonn, as he is called, is now building the spiritual aspect of this parish as Fr. Junvic built the
physical aspect.

Epilogue

With this, the people of God is still the people of God. This event proved the growth of
this church as a people. One priest commended that this church is now one of the most
beautiful churches in the province of Albay. This parish is now classified as a big parish.

With the passing of this event, may our aspirations to grow more in faith, hope and love
continue. Through the guidance of Jesus, Joseph and Mary, may our hearts be continually filled
with gratitude for this grace he showered on us.

I am more grateful for having been chosen as an instrument of writing this historic event
for the memory of everyone who lent their time, talent and effort for the parish. I am even
grateful for having my contributions to the parish not to appease everyone but to glorify Lord
who created the wonderful things of this world.

OUR HISTORY DOESNT END HERE. It is our due responsibility to continue what our
ancestors and our previous priests have started. We are the people of God. We ourselves are a
worthy offering to God. We, the people, is the ATANG NIN SIMBAHAN.

-Deo Gracias-
-Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam-
Iesus, Ioseph et Mariam, ora pro nobis
Sancte Petri Julian Eymard, secondo patroni nostri, ora pro nobis

Diocesis Legazpiensis
Insulae Philippiniam
22 August 2017